Workplace exposure limits
Some workplace processes involve the use of substances that could cause harm. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require that employers prevent or reduce workers' exposure to such substances.
- Inhalation.
- Ingestion.
- Contact with the skin.
- Contact with the eyes.
- Skin puncture.
COSHH stipulates that the control of hazardous substance exposure will only be regarded as being adequate if it falls below the necessary workplace exposure limit (WEL). The regulations place a duty on employers to prevent or control exposure to within the particular WEL.
WEL values are approved by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), which acts on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances (ACTS). They are expressed as a time weighted average (TWA). There are two variations of WEL:
- Long-term exposure limit (LTEL): The maximum exposure over an 8-hour period. This is intended to protect the workforce from contaminants which, over a long period of time, may cause ill health.
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL): The maximum exposure over a 15-minute reference period. This is intended to protect the workforce from peak exposure incidents which might result in immediate and acute ill health.
A document published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) contains the list of WELs for use with COSHH – EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits.
Since there are a large number of chemical compounds used in construction, there will be some that are not included on this list of WELs, perhaps due to a lack of information about them. However, this does not mean that they are therefore safe. They should be controlled to a level at which the workforce could be exposed for a long period of time without experiencing any adverse health effects.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.